The Lagos State Government has announced that it will commence a regulated park and pay system across the state in 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and restore order on major roads.

The initiative, which will be implemented through the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), aims to curb indiscriminate parking, one of the major contributors to persistent traffic gridlocks in the city.

Speaking at the agency’s 2025 retreat, the General Manager of LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, described the new policy as a game-changer that will introduce structured, technology-driven, and well-managed parking zones across Lagos.

“We want Lagosians to start parking responsibly. People should think about parking before leaving their homes,” Adelabu said. “We are beginning with Ikoyi, parts of Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Lekki, and signage is already being installed in these areas.”

She explained that the project will be technology-driven, integrating digital tools to streamline payment, enforcement, and data management.

Adelabu revealed that Lagos will gradually adopt a pay-by-plate system, where motorists will pay parking fees based on vehicle registration numbers without physical enforcement.

“Pay-by-plate means you enter a street, see a sign showing the rate, make payment digitally, and avoid fines. If you fail to pay, you’ll receive a message or email ticket,” she explained.

She stressed that the policy is not just about revenue generation but about regulation and behavioural change.

“Some streets will have a maximum of three hours for parking. After that, vehicles must move to keep traffic flowing. We don’t want anyone turning public roads into private car parks,” she added.

Adelabu noted that LASPA has spent the last two years on advocacy and sensitization, preparing residents for this shift in urban transport culture.

“We’ve been on this journey for a while. Now it’s time to show that we mean business,” she said.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized that proper parking management is critical to Lagos’ broader traffic management and mobility framework.

“Roadside parking has largely remained unregulated, contributing to congestion, emissions, and loss of productivity. This new system will bring order and unlock economic potential across the Lagos ecosystem,” Osiyemi stated.

With the initiative set to begin in 2026, Lagosians are urged to embrace the culture of responsible parking as the city moves toward a more organized, sustainable, and smart urban environment.